Mecca: Millions of Muslim faithful climb Mount Arafat

Published December 7th, 2008 - 11:59 GMT

Millions of Muslim pilgrims have descended on the plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia on the second day of Hajj.

Millions of Muslim pilgrims have descended on the plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia on the second day of Hajj. Leaving Mina early on Sunday, the pilgrims gathered for a day of reflection and prayer at the foot of Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad gave his farewell sermon.

Organisers have so far reported no major problems. In past years, hundreds of people have been killed in stampedes and fires. More than 100,000 security guards have been deployed this year to discourage crime and help control the crowds.

As the sun sets, pilgrims will journey to the valley of Muzdalifa, a few kilometres away, for the night before returning to Mina in the morning.

On Monday, as Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), pilgrims performing Hajj cast pebbles at a pillar on the Jamaraat Bridge in Mina, in a symbolic renunciation of the devil. This stoning ritual continues over the next two days before Hajj draws to a close.